Former British Ambassador to the United Nations, Sir Crispin Tickell, has reacted to news that Parliament has approved Britain’s formal joining of the Paris climate change agreement, stating that this response to climate change presents significant economic opportunities for the UK.

“Britain’s ratification of the historic Paris Agreement is an important moment, not least because our country has for a long time led global efforts to cope with the effects of climate change,” he said.

“One thinks of Margaret Thatcher’s landmark speech to the United Nations in 1989, the Stern review, the United Kingdom Climate Change Act, and years of quiet diplomacy at UN climate talks. Theresa May can be proud that she is upholding Mrs Thatcher’s tradition of basing climate policies on scientific evidence and on our responsibility to the rest of the world.

Just this week it was reported that global emissions have stalled for the third year in a row, despite strong economic growth

“Just this week it was reported that global emissions have stalled for the third year in a row, despite strong economic growth, reinforcing the view that an effective response to climate change presents significant economic opportunities. Britain’s aim must be to make the most of these as we look to forge new trading relationships based on the industries of the future. The argument that low-carbon policies are in Britain’s national interest can no longer be contested.”